Summer 2026 anime Kimi ga Shinu made Koi wo Shitai (I Want to Fall in Love Until You Die) made its television debut on July 7, 2026 — coinciding with the Tanabata festival — to an explosive reception from fans, voice cast, and the original manga author alike. Before the broadcast, character designer Yufuno Kyoko shared adorable SD illustrations of Shiina and Mimi to build anticipation.

About the Series

The original manga is written and drawn by Aono Nachi, serialized on Ichijinsha’s web manga platform “Ichijin Plus.” The story is set in an orphanage that doubles as a military magic-weapon training facility, where girls are taught to kill and barely have time to grieve their fallen classmates. Against this grim backdrop unfolds a tender, fragile romance between the girls who live there.

The protagonist is Totsuki Shiina, a 14-year-old who struggles to accept a world where death is routine. Her life changes when she encounters Kagari Mimi, a small, cheerful girl rumored to be the school’s secret weapon.

Staff and Cast

The series is directed by Tomoda Kou, marking his directorial debut. He previously served as an episode director on Boku no Kokoro no Yabai Yatsu, Girls Band Cry, and Nige Jouzu no Wakagimi. He posted on social media: “Finally! This is my first time directing!! Please watch it!!” Animation production is handled by studio ROLL2.

The main voice cast, which previously appeared in the volume 4 (June 2021) and volume 6 (January 2023) commemorative PVs, returns in full:

• Takahashi Rie — Totsuki Shiina
• Hidaka Rina — Kagari Mimi
• Seto Asami — Lizzy Seiran
• Ishikawa Yui — Maude Ari

Episode 1 “Kiss” — Recap (Spoilers)

The episode opens with a blood-soaked girl barely breathing in a rain-drenched forest as an enemy closes in. The bleak tone was immediate, with viewers reacting: “It’s already dark from the very start” and “Are characters going to die this easily?”

The next morning, Shiina’s homeroom teacher matter-of-factly announces the death of her roommate, as though reading out a routine notice. Viewers found the cold delivery deeply unsettling.

That night, while Shiina eats rice balls alone, a mysterious girl appears before her — head dripping with blood, yet asking for food in a cheerful, innocent voice. The jarring contrast left fans stunned: “It’s terrifying to have someone just stand there in front of you covered in blood.”

The next morning, the girl is introduced as new student Kagari Mimi, who is assigned to share a room with Shiina. Classmate Ari wastes no time asking point-blank whether Mimi is “that Mimi” — a rumored secret weapon trained by a teacher in private.

The episode also introduces the world’s “restoration magic,” which involves transferring magical energy through a kiss to heal wounds. Fans were immediately intrigued: “Best setting ever” and “Healing through a kiss — is this Kirby?”

The episode’s climax sent the internet into a frenzy: noticing Shiina’s stomachache, Mimi leans over and uses restoration magic without warning. Shiina registers the soft scent of soap — and the taste of blood. Fans erupted: “The speed at which the kiss happened was way too fast!!” and “Episode 1 ends with the taste of blood.”

Fan Reactions

Overall reception was overwhelmingly positive, with standout comments including:

• “This is an incredibly high-quality yuri anime.”
• “A genuine yuri story combined with a serious war setting — love it.”
• “The heavy subject matter has my heart pounding the whole time.”
• “The ending had less sweetness and more fragility and danger — it pulled me straight into this world.”
• “So many cute moments, but sadness is always right there beside them.”

Cast and Author Reactions

Original author Aono Nachi wrote: “Episode 1 — what a wonderful ending…!”

Takahashi Rie posted after the broadcast: “Congratulations… Kimi Shinu… has become an anime… congratulations… (it’s finally sinking in).” At the time of the anime announcement, she had said: “The connection that began with the volume 4 PV has led to this wonderful news, and my heart is full of gratitude, joy, and pride.” Five years have passed since that volume 4 PV.

Hidaka Rina posted: “Waaah, thank you so much for episode 1!!!! That ending~” She had previously said: “I’ve known Mimi for nearly four years. This series holds very special memories for me, and I’m thrilled both to continue voicing Mimi and, as a fan myself, to see it become an anime.”

Theme Song

The opening theme is “Amore” by ReoNa (used as the ending theme in episode 1). ReoNa posted: “Shock, shock, the ending was a shock too — oh, episode 1 was over before I knew it…” and “May my song be a companion to the love woven into this story.” Fans praised the song’s perfect fit: “The lyrics match Kimi Shinu so well” and “I cried listening to the opening theme.”

Broadcast Information

Kimi ga Shinu made Koi wo Shitai airs every Tuesday at 21:30 on AT-X, and at 24:30 on KBS Kyoto, Sun TV, and BS11. WOWOW begins airing the series from July 14, every Tuesday at 24:00. Streaming simulcasts are available every Tuesday at 21:30 on d Anime Store, U-NEXT, and Anime Houdai, with wider streaming availability beginning every Friday at 24:00.